The recent consultation visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and State Government on his 2019 Presidential ambition has been described by residents of the state as a blessing given his political antecedents.
Speaking, the State Coordinator of ‘Atiku Abubakar 2019 Campaign Organization,’ Otuekong Emmanuel Ibiok, who thanked the people for the rousing welcome accorded the visitors, said “The people of the state had once again proven that they were rock-solid for PDP. They have been a support-based for the party since its inception in 1999 and they will remain a stronghold for the party even in 2019 and beyond.”
Otuekong Ibiok tasked the people of the state to continue to be resolute in their commitment to the Atiku Project so as to take the country to the next level.
He said the people, through their reception and hospitality to the former Vice President and his entourage, further demonstrated the total unity and solidarity in the party and its leadership, laying special emphasis on the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, and the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Otuekong Ibiok expressed appreciation to Governor Emmanuel, Senator Akpabio and other stakeholders for their unrelenting support and the honour done him in the coordination of the Atiku Project in the state.
Receiving the team, Governor Udom Emmanuel said “the people were expecting a much better Nigeria from 2019 and appreciated Atiku Abubakar for showing concern about the situation in the country.”
Governor Emmanuel emphasized this because, according to him, Nigeria needs a leader with requisite experience to vie for the number one seat.
He said though power comes from God, the state government will continue to open its door to other aspirants that will come after the former Vice President.
Speaking, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said his cardinal agenda is harped on unity among Nigerians, economic prosperity and restructuring of the country.
In his words, “I strongly believe in a restructured Nigeria. A restructured Nigeria will bring back ingenuity of citizens of this country and will make the leaders at all levels accountable to the people. Whether we like it or not, the political restructuring of the country is inevitable. We must devolve all resources and powers to every proponents of this country for them to work optimally.”
In his remarks, the State Chairman of the party, Obong Paul Ekpo, lauded former Vice President Atiku Abubaker for deeming it fit to consult the state chapter of the party, describing the “state chapter of the party as the vote basket in the forthcoming presidential primary and the political headquarters of the party in the country, considering its numerical strength in the election process.”
Obong Ekpo also commended the State Coordinator of the Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organization, Otuekong Emmanuel Ibiok, for his capacity, leadership prowess and ability to mobilize supporters within the short time.
Overwhelmed by the rousing welcome and reception given them by the people of Akwa Ibom, Mr. Gambo Jagindi, who is the National Coordinator of Atiku Global Support Group (AGSG), said “We were overwhelmed by the oneness, unity and reception given the former Vice President and his entire team. We have been to states and places, we have never seen or witness what we saw and witnessed in Akwa Ibom. Akwa Ibom has been the best so far, that is where our support base is.”
Mr. Jagindi said they will continue to relate with the people of the state as their brothers and sisters, as one support base they can count on anytime.
